"Initial restoration is proving successful but the bog needs further long-term restoration," he said.

The £2.2m grant will see restoration work for the bogs, plus research and monitoring for the next three years.

"The money will help ensure the peat is wet enough so that wildlife, including birds such as the nightjar and the hobby and specialist plants including cotton grass, bog moss, bog rosemary and wild cranberries can thrive," he added.